Coronavirus Recommendations For People With Asthma

Controlling asthma in asthma patients is essential during the coronavirus pandemic. Asthmatics are a risk group who should take special care.

The coronavirus can cause mild symptoms or severe, even fatal respiratory illnesses. So what are the recommendations regarding the coronavirus for people with asthma, based on current knowledge about the virus?

What do we know about the coronavirus?

SARS-CoV-2, known as COVID-19, is a new coronavirus that was never detected before the outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Its novelty means that the recommendations are constantly updated as more is learned about the virus.

Transmission occurs through close contact with an infected patient, through respiratory droplets generated when a person coughs or sneezes, or through droplets of saliva or nasal secretions.

Coronavirus disease manifests itself, in most cases, in a mild form with fever and cough. But also a sore throat. It can also progress to a more serious form and cause pneumonia with difficulty in breathing. Sometimes it can be fatal.

The elderly and those with certain associated illnesses – such as cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, asthma – appear to be most at risk. These are the groups that would be at risk.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a relatively common disease that affects both adults and children. Asthma usually begins in childhood.

It is a chronic disease of the respiratory system. It is characterized by irritation of the bronchi due to various environmental stimuli. These stimuli include plant pollen, smoke, emotions, laughter, exercise, and certain medications. Sometimes it is not possible to discover the stimulus that generates the irritative response.

Symptoms you will experience are coughing, tightness in the chest, wheezing, or lack of air. They can come on quickly, in a form called an “asthma attack”.

It is also known that there is a strong association between viral respiratory infections and asthma attacks.

The right treatment for people with asthma

The treatment of asthma includes follow-up by the family doctor or pulmonologist, in order to avoid relapses or asthma attacks.

Different types of medicines are used, most of which are inhaled. In many cases, permanently, as a preventive measure, or during asthma attacks. There are other routes of drug administration, such as oral and subcutaneous.

In mild attacks, adaptation of treatment by the general practitioner or pulmonologist is usually sufficient to cope with the acute moment. When attacks are more severe, urgent medical attention is needed, including, very occasionally, hospitalization.

Finally, it can be said that the stopping of preventive drugs by asthma patients often leads to a potentially dangerous aggravation.

What Are Experts Saying About Coronavirus And People With Asthma?

The World Health Organization (WHO) includes asthma, as a chronic disease, in the group that has the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from infection with the coronavirus. Other experts are also of this opinion.

In addition, it is known that viral respiratory infections can worsen the case of people with asthma. This is why the coronavirus can act in the same way as other known viruses.

For people with asthma, during this pandemic period, it is recommended to take into account the general indications given to the general population, as well as certain specific questions. As with the seasonal flu season, the asthmatic patient must protect himself from the viral circulation.

It is advisable to continue taking preventative medication, if your doctor tells you to. If not in use, it is useful to consult the family professional to know whether or not it is recommended to put it in place.

If it is necessary to go to the emergency room due to an asthma attack, it is recommended that you take your own inhalation medication. By communicating in advance with his family doctor or pulmonologist.

Controlling your asthma to protect yourself from the coronavirus

It can be concluded that the most relevant recommendation for asthma patients will be, in addition to general recommendations, to maintain good asthma control. This will minimize the risk of aggravation and the subsequent emergency room visit. Thus, we will avoid going out of confinement with the danger of exposing ourselves to the coronavirus.